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LOT 476
Historic Pair of Engraved John Blanch Double Barrel Percussion Traveling or Howdah Pistols with Case Inscribed for “Jas. Watney Esq.” -A) J. Blanch Percussion Pistol - NSN, 67 cal., 6 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/ blue finish, walnut stock. The case lid escutcheon is inscribed “Jas/Watney Esqr,” and the silver wrist escutcheons are inscribed with the Watney family crest.
This is presumably James Watney (1800-1884), the famous English brewer
who partnered with John Lettsom Elliot and Charles Lambert to form Elliot, Watney & Co. and ran the historic Stag Brewhouse and Brewery in Pimlico until his death. He was also the master of the Mercer’s Company in 1846. They may have also been owned by James Watney Jr. (1832-1886), one of his sons, who was a Conservative Member of Parliament, sportsman, a partner in the brewing business, and master of the Mercers’ Company in 1879. The pistols have small bead front sights and “J. BLANCH. 29, GRACECHURCH ST. LONDON” signed on the concave ribs and “J. BLANCH” signed on the back action locks which have sliding safeties. The locks and furniture are engraved with mainly classic scroll and floral patterns. Swivel mounted ramrods are fitted beneath the barrels. The stocks have silver wedge escutcheons and checkered wrists. The pommel caps have small compartments. The case has a John Blanch trade label, loading/
388 cleaning rod, balls, ball mold, tow, and cards.